The moment the word "tournament" was mentioned, Yichen's eyes lit up with uncontained joy.
"Father! Am I really going to take part in the tournament?!"Yichen's voice shot up like an arrow, his eyes gleaming with a light that hadn't been there moments ago. He had leapt to his feet before he could even finish speaking, his small fists clenched with anticipation.
Riyeon Nagmung, chuckled with warmth."Of course, son," he said proudly. "Every great family will send their best. And you—" he reached out, ruffling Yichen's hair, "—are the pride of mine."
Yichen's heart raced. It felt as if the very air around him trembled in excitement. His eyes sparkled like stars lit by a dream long held. As it was his first step in becoming the strongest.
Seated to the side, Jegal Shen, head of the refined Jegal Clan, lifted his teacup with grace. His sharp eyes softened as he watched the boy's reaction.Such spirit… he mused silently. He carries the blood of a lion.
Beside him, his daughter — Jegal Ruolan — remained quiet and omposed.Her long lashes lowered as she sipped from her porcelain cup. But a small, almost invisible wrinkle creased her brow as she side-eyed the boy.
Why is he so loud? she thought.Tournaments, battles… such crude pursuits. Why is he acting like a dog chasing its tail...hmph he doesn't even seem so strong?
Riyeon stroked his chin, his voice turning formal."The tournament will be held next month. Prepare letters — inform each clan head that five representatives will be coming to participate from each clan."
"Yes, Alliance Leader," the steward, Old Liu, who was standing along the side to the patriarch bowed respectfully.
Then, with a shift in tone, Riyeon looked toward Ruolan."Lan'er," he said warmly, "why don't you speak with Yichen? You two are of similar age. A little friendship wouldn't hurt...maybe you too can become really good friends."
Ruolan's fingers trembled for a brief moment.Unconsciously, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. She had always admired Riyeon — not just for his strength, but for his charisma and unwavering presence. Being addressed directly by him, so gently... she could only nod.
"Yes… Alliance Leader," she said softly.
Yichen, still giddy from the earlier announcement, nodded as well. Though he didn't understand why they were suddenly pushing him to talk with her. She looked… boring.
The garden was serene, the sky a clear canvas of late morning blue.
The two walked side by side in awkward silence, the sound of gravel crunching beneath their feet the only thing between them.
After several minutes, Ruolan finally broke the silence.
"Do you like books, Young Master Yichen?"
Yichen blinked."Books?"He looked at her as if she had just asked if he liked watching paint dry.
"Books are boring," he said bluntly. "I'm a martial artist. I love martial arts! I'm going to surpass my father and become the strongest in the continent!"
The words hit her like a whip.
Ruolan's lips parted slightly, stunned. Then, with a sudden surge of emotion, she shouted, "Don't speak such nonsense!"
Smack!
Her palm landed on his cheek.
Yichen froze, stunned. The air around them fell deathly silent.
"No one can defeat the Alliance Leader!" she shouted. Her hands trembled, fists clenched by her side. "He is the greatest martial artist alive! He's… he's everything...he is strong you can never defeat him!"
"…You—"Yichen's eyes narrowed dangerously.
And then — he grabbed her hair."I will surpass him! I will defeat him one day!"
"Let go, you barbarian!" she yelled, pulling his hair in return.
And just like that — two of the most noble heirs in all of Zhongyuan… were engaged in a full-blown hair-pulling match, rolling on the clean white stones of the Nagmung garden.
Inside the guest room, Hwa Reyon, the legendary Snowflower Phoenix, had just arrived.
Clad in flowing pale robes with plum blossom embroidery, she greeted Jegal Shen gracefully.
"I greet the head of the Jegal Clan," she said with a gentle bow.
"I greet Lady Hwa Reyon," he replied politely. "How have you been?"
"I've been well. It's a long time jegal head...Is lady shijin alright...?
Of course...Lady Nagmung..she was asking to invite you as it's been long she met her dear friend...Jegal shen replied with a calm expression with slight smile through eyes.
Haha..sure, it's really been long 3 years, I too really miss everyone...she replied happily
Then she turned towards Riyeon,"Is Yichen nearby..honey?" she asked, smiling.
"He's with Ruolan," Riyeon answered from behind her. "They're... getting to know each other."
"I see," she said. "It's been years since I last saw Ruolan. I imagine she's grown beautifully."
Suddenly—"Alliance Leader is the best!""No! I'll be the best!"
They turned sharply at the shouting.
Then — a crash. A yelp.
They rushed out.
And what they saw —
Ruolan and Yichen, tangled on the ground. Covered in crushed rose petals. Red-faced. Hair a mess. Both holding tightly to the other's scalp, shouting in pure childish rage.
"YICHEN!"Hwa Reyon's voice echoed like thunder.
She marched over and pulled him up by his ear.
"Ow ow ow—Mother!! Let go!!"
"I told you to respect women! What in the heavens are you doing?!"
Jegal Shen ran to Ruolan, pulling her away.
"Ruolan! What happened? You're usually so composed child!"
"She—he—he said he'd beat the Alliance Leader!" she shouted through tears. "I admire him! No one can defeat him!"
Yichen squirmed in his mother's grasp."And I said I'll beat him and become the strongest! What's wrong with that?!"
"This child…" Hwa Reyon muttered, pinching harder.
Riyeon couldn't help it — he burst out laughing."Ah… youth."
He stepped forward, raising a hand.
"That's enough," he said. "Ruolan — even strong people can be defeated. That's why we grow. Yichen — strength without respect is just arrogance."
Both children lowered their heads.
"Still…" Riyeon added with a sigh and looked towards Yichen. "I believe this calls for some punishment."
"Old Liu — prepare rooms for our guests. They'll be staying the night."
Jegal Shen nodded respectfully.
"I'll return at evening to discuss about things, Jegal Shin. Let Ruolan rest and freshen up she must be scared. Don't scold her."
"Of course," Jegal Shin replied, a calm smile returning to his face.
As the families parted ways, Ruolan and Yichen glanced at each other from behind their parents' backs.
Still fuming.
Still red.